Fontaine des Innocents
Fontaine des Innocents
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Fontaine des Innocents and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Les Halles
Historically the central iron-clad market of Paris, Les Halles has evolved architecturally since then but the pulsating energy has stayed the same. Now it houses the main shopping mall, which nestles underground surrounded by fast-food take-aways and international restaurants coupled with beautiful churches and the old commodity exchange. Parallel to it are the high-street stores of Rue de Rivoli and just parallel to that the Seine. The area bustles with faces from all continents and all ages at all times of the day. If enjoying high-street shopping with easy access to fast eateries and lively bars is on your agenda, this is the place to go.
How to get there
- Châtelet – Les Halles • 2 min walk
- Châtelet – Les Halles • 2 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
4,230 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
136 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
57
Average
42
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,384 contributions
Jul 2021
As we left the Les Halles area, we lingered at this very old fountain, a source of much-needed water in the medieval city. The city's original cemetery was here and in old times there was a busy market of funeral products. For sanitary reasons, the cemeteries were moved outside the walls and the bones from the ancient cemetery were moved to the Catacombs. The fountain remains.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,384 contributions
Jun 2022
It's hard to believe that this lovely fountain and the harmonious urban design around it was once the site of Paris' huge cemetery, bodies piled on bodies. But the city got smart and moved the bones to the Catacombs and started cemeteries on the city's edges, making this are more sanitary. The fountain remains from that old erq.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,157 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
Les Fontaine des Innocents (Fountain of Innocence) is a Renaissance style structure, originally constructed as a three sided fixture along the walls of the Cemetery of the Innocents in 1549. There it remained until the late 18th century when the cemetery was moved outside of the city. The area was converted into a market square and the fountain was given a fourth side, providing it with the shape and appearance you see today.
During the warmer months of the year, you can see water cascading down the steps on all four sides into a single circular basin. Unfortunately, in winter, the fountain, like many others, doesn't operate. However, you can still enjoy the decorativeness of the fountain during this time.
Overall, an interesting minor attraction to see if you intend to visit this area of Paris. Another very intriguing fountain you can visit nearby is the Stravinsky Fountain, located in Stravinsky Square across from the Pompidou Centre.
During the warmer months of the year, you can see water cascading down the steps on all four sides into a single circular basin. Unfortunately, in winter, the fountain, like many others, doesn't operate. However, you can still enjoy the decorativeness of the fountain during this time.
Overall, an interesting minor attraction to see if you intend to visit this area of Paris. Another very intriguing fountain you can visit nearby is the Stravinsky Fountain, located in Stravinsky Square across from the Pompidou Centre.
Written December 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,157 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
Passed by Les Fontaine des Innocents (Fountain of Innocence) in Le Marais recently. Similar to past winter visits, the fountain was turned off and idol.
This is a Renaissance style fountain monument originally erected in the mid 16th-century when a cemetery was situated at this location. It is nice monument but showing its age.
Sadly, during this visit, the basin included graffiti and trash, which was unfortunate. There was an interesting Xmas/winter market on the square around Fontaine des Innocents.
In the end, not a bad monument - worth having a look-see if you are visiting the area and enjoy monument viewing during your travels.
This is a Renaissance style fountain monument originally erected in the mid 16th-century when a cemetery was situated at this location. It is nice monument but showing its age.
Sadly, during this visit, the basin included graffiti and trash, which was unfortunate. There was an interesting Xmas/winter market on the square around Fontaine des Innocents.
In the end, not a bad monument - worth having a look-see if you are visiting the area and enjoy monument viewing during your travels.
Written January 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,384 contributions
Nov 2016
This was once the site of the city's old cemetery, long shut down with the bones moved to the Catacombs. Good idea since this was in the middle of the market area and it was unhealthy. This old lovely fountain was a source of water.
Written April 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coomba-roomby
Adelaide, Australia79 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
This was a big surprise for us.
We watched the tents going up from the pub across the street and thought it was a simple night market.
Little did we expect it to be there for many days - our entire stay on Rue St Denis - and full of wonderful produce and people.
From Basque stew, to Foie Gras, Nougat, Breads, Meats Cheeses...and all served with Joie de vivre
We watched the tents going up from the pub across the street and thought it was a simple night market.
Little did we expect it to be there for many days - our entire stay on Rue St Denis - and full of wonderful produce and people.
From Basque stew, to Foie Gras, Nougat, Breads, Meats Cheeses...and all served with Joie de vivre
Written November 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllanJGJ
Wellington, New Zealand3,824 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
This a rather attractive renaissance fountain and of the type which you might expect to see in Rome rather than Paris. Its location surrounded by rather seedy retail and food outlets is a little sad. But having said that if you're visiting anything nearby it's worth stopping for a quick look. A word of caution though: when we were there we were accosted by a band of young girls (of the type the french call gyspies; we politically correct New Zealanders Roma) seeking donations to a charity for deaf and blind children. A local succeeded is scaring them away on this occasion, although not before at least one tourist was fleeced of a few Euros. But be warned.
Written August 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Study_Plan_Action
Istanbul, Türkiye52 contributions
Oct 2013
If I'm not mistaken, this is the only remaining renaissance time fountain in Paris. Surrounded by modern arts museum and modern Les Halles buildings, one can easily feel the history with its contrasts...
Written October 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian H
Cardiff, UK142 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
It's a fountain, albeit an attractive one with a history but not worth a long detour for 15 mins. The good news is the very near Les Halles garden is being demolished. Worth going to the area to see St. Eustache church,very large and the Bourse.
Written June 10, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK618,760 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
My twin brother Stephen and I chanced upon Fontaine Des Innocents as we were wandering around this area of the city and what a great find.
It's an historic fountain ,located on Place Joachim Du Belley in the Les Halles district of the 1st Arrondissement ,it was originally called the Fountain Of The Nymphs and was constructed between 1547-1550 by sculptor's Pierre Lescot and Jean Goujon ,it's done in a style of artwork known as French Renaissance and is the oldest monumental fountain in Paris .
The look of the fountain was inspired by the Nymphaeum of Ancient Rome , the detail of the reliefs is superb ,the look of the fountain superb ,it's just a fantastic looking fountain/ monument that adds to the joy of visiting Place Joachim Du Bellay.
It's an historic fountain ,located on Place Joachim Du Belley in the Les Halles district of the 1st Arrondissement ,it was originally called the Fountain Of The Nymphs and was constructed between 1547-1550 by sculptor's Pierre Lescot and Jean Goujon ,it's done in a style of artwork known as French Renaissance and is the oldest monumental fountain in Paris .
The look of the fountain was inspired by the Nymphaeum of Ancient Rome , the detail of the reliefs is superb ,the look of the fountain superb ,it's just a fantastic looking fountain/ monument that adds to the joy of visiting Place Joachim Du Bellay.
Written June 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanyEarth
Paris, France28,522 contributions
Bonjour ne pourrait-on pas changer la photo principale qui n'a rien à voir avec le sujet !!!
DanyEarth
Paris, France28,522 contributions
bonjour en fait cela fait longtemps que j'ai renoncé à informer TRIP qui ne fait rien pour corriger les erreurs , malgré mes relances ;
DanyEarth
Paris, France28,522 contributions
Il s'agit ici d'un lieu touristique , bien sur il y a des lieux glauques à Paris . Mais cette fontaine mériterait mieux car la présence de gens pas très nets , certains agressant les touristes , notamment les groupes de Rom Pick Pocket est rédhibitoire ici . C'est ce que voulait dire Bernard G
Gabrielle D
30 contributions
Le Quartier des Halles a, de tous temps, généré une population particulière. Mais Pourquoi ne peut-on pas voir un lieu, un édifice (une très belle fontaine) en faisant abstraction de l'entourage ? Il faut prendre des précautions, bien sûr, comme dans tous les lieux où se rassemble la foule, mais où trouverez-vous le paradis terrestre ? Si vous le trouvez, dites-le moi, j'irai ! Désolée, je persiste à dire que cette Fontaine des Innocents vaut la peine d'être vue.
Jean Daniel C
Paris, France81 contributions
il y a d autres endroits glauque si tu cherches qui sont pire que cette fontaine c'est un lieu de rencontre il y des touristes et aussi des Parisiens , si tu crois que cet endroit est glauque va à barbès la c'est glauque
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingFontaine des Innocents - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Fontaine des Innocents
- Hotels near Fontaine des Innocents:
- (0.03 mi) Citadines Les Halles Paris
- (0.04 mi) 138-Suite Wizman, great APT, Center of Paris
- (0.07 mi) Novotel Paris Les Halles
- (0.12 mi) Handsome Hotel by Elegancia
- (0.12 mi) Snob Hotel by Elegancia
- Restaurants near Fontaine des Innocents:
- (0.02 mi) Cinquecento PIZZA
- (0.02 mi) Mister Döner Châtelet-Les Halles
- (0.02 mi) O'Tacos
- (0.02 mi) Wok'Up
- (0.02 mi) McDonald's
Fontaine des Innocents Information
Excellent Reviews | 30 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 57 |
Fontaine des Innocents Photos | 141 |